Teepee Facts

Teepees were originally used by American Indians as a portable shelter that could easily be moved if the tribe needed to relocate. They were built from commonly found materials like animal hides and wooden poles. The canvas of the tepee could be personalized by the inhabitant by painting on a tribal pattern or other design.

Identification

The frame of a teepee is constructed from long poles placed in a circle and leaned toward one another to create a point. A rope is lashed around the top of the poles to keep them together, then an animal hide or thick canvas is placed over the poles to create a shelter.

Origin

The first teepees were used by American Indians in the Great Plains. The name is derived from the Lakota tribe's word "tipi," which literally translates to "they dwell."

Significance

Teepees are versatile enough to be used in many types of weather conditions. A hole is cut in the top to let inhabitants burn a campfire in the center of the teepee to warm it up in cold weather. If the weather is hot, the walls of the teepee can be rolled up and tied with ropes to increase the airflow.

Warning

Extreme weather like rain, snow or high winds can be dangerous for a teepee. To reinforce the teepee and hold it in place during high winds, tie the lashing rope in the middle to a rock or other heavy object. The hole in the top of the teepee is usually covered in hide or thick fabric to prevent rain from leaking through.

Misconceptions

Many American tribes did not use teepees for their homes, preferring adobe buildings, wigwams or grass huts.

References

• Teacher's Guide to Teepees